Dear Theresa,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family on your loss of a dear family member. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana

Theresa,
My thoughts, prayers and heart are with you at this terrible time for you and your family. I've been following your story and your progress post-operatively -- I had mitral valve replacement in January this year. So sorry to hear of your loss.

Susan Murphy

Theresa,

Sorry to hear the sad news. Deepest sympathy to you and Mark's family.

Elaine

Hi Theresa,
We are thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
love and hugs from Penny and Steve xx

Dear Theresa

Please convey my most sincere condolences to Mark's dear family. It doesn't sound as if he had much of a fighting chance and in the end, very few of us would want to survive if we were severely brain damaged. It was a very loving deed to remove him from life support. Sending you a big cyber hug.

Cheryl, Ontario

Theresa,

I am so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. How very sad.

You made an excellent point . . . it's important to monitor your health because there are so many hings that can be done to help us all have long, productive, healthy lives. Our surgeries are a testament to that.

Like Fran, I am very concerned about Diana's silence. I hope we hear from her soon.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ricki

Hi Theresa,

I am sorry to hear about your brother. Life is never fair! Know that he is with God and in a better place. Also know that God is watching over you as well. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Melany

Theresa
I am so sorry about the loss of your brother in law. Life does not seem fair at times and we as mortals don't know the answers to why things happen. Hopefully the love and prayers (even from strangers)will be felt as his wife and family deal with this loss. As I said earlier, glad your heart has healed so you can deal with this stress. As for Diana I have prayed for her daily and am concerned by the lack of news.
Fran Z

Theresa,

Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and your family, particularly your sister, on the loss of Mark. So young. But you are so right that God is in control and that there is life beyond this life. I appreciate the connection you made for all of us about knowing about our heart conditions vs. Mark not knowing. Solemn reminder.

Love & Prayers to all from Florida!

Duane & Peggy Hunt

Hi Theresa

Thanks for the update regarding your dear brother-in-law. His condition does sound grave and I will continue to keep him and your family in my prayers. He is just such a young man. I can't help but compare our luck of having to go through all the tests we did in order to diagnose our valve procedures. Had he have been as lucky to be able to have an angiogram he would have known he needed help.

Let's pray any damage will be minimal.

Cheryl, Ontario

Theresa, just returned home today and saw the news. Hope things improved for him over the weekend. We will be certain to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know how he is doing when you have a chance.

All our love and prayers,

Amy & Matthew Machtay

Hi Theresa

What's the word on your brother-in-law? I do hope our prayers were answered.

Thanks for the note in my guestbook. I still enjoy rehab and now just try and best my record from the week before. Up until last week when I went, I would have been able to go as long as I wanted but our health system is cutting us back to one year which is still pretty substantial so I'm not complaining.

If you read my recent journal I am supposed to be checking when I can get off the Warfarin. I'm beginning to think it was one of those things that just got overlooked with me and I've therefore probably been on it a lot longer than needed. I'll get around to checking that out this week.

I'm glad you are continuing to do well.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Theresa

Absolutely you have my support and my prayers for your brother-in-law. He is just too young and I'm certain there is also a young family as well. Please keep us informed how he's doing.

Cheryl, Ontario

Theresa,

My prayers are with your brother-in-law and family. May God bless and heal him.

Elaine

Theresa,

So sorry to hear of your brother-in-law's heart attack. Our prayers will be with your family, prayers for strength, grace, mercy, peace, and healing.

Duane in FL

Theresa,
I am praying for him. Dang, so young!! But I'm sure he's strong and is a fighter.

Keep us posted.

xxoo,
Amanda

Theresa
So sorry to hear about your brother in law. We don't know why these things happen but we do know the power of prayer. He is in my prayers for a full recovery. God does work miracles.
Take care of yourself during this stressful time. Your heart is aching, I'm sure. Keep us up to date please.
Fran Z

Theresa,

Our prayers are with you and your family. The Lord will watch over you and your family, know that he is with you now.

Melany

Hi Theresa

Moving your brother in law and family to the top of the list. Thoughts and prayers with you all.

Mark
Keller. TX

Hi Theresa,

Yes, I've read your story a few times. I am hoping and praying for a repair so it's very encouraging.

People keep asking me if the repair doesn't happen, what kind of valve would I go with. Well, I've read and read and still am not sure which way. I'm so not wanting coumadin so it makes me lean towards tissue but then again, I don't want to be doing this every 10 years.

Mostly I'm trying to keep busy and do some meditation. I am pretty tired these days so I can't do everything I used to do. That is another positive for this surgery, it might actually help me!!

Thank so much for your words. It really helps.

I hope you are still doing well.

Amanda

Hi Theresa! It was so good hearing from you. I am doing very well these days; and, yes, my rate is beginning to go down. Finally! I did not tolerate the first med the Dr. ordered, which was a beta blocker. I also have asthma, and this drug class tends to exacerbate the asthma. So I was switched to an ACE inhibitor. It doesn't really lower the heart rate but dialates the blood vessels so that the heart doesn't work so hard. Well, I've never had low blood pressure, and now my BP is about 85/60, but I'm not fainting so it's okay. My resting heart rate just dropped into the high 80s this past week. It was in the low 80s before I went in for surgery. I'm doing 1 hour of cardio at least 6 times a week and getting my heart rate into the high 130s--working on getting it into the 140s with time. I feel if I just keep doing what I'm supposed to things will work out okay.

How are you doing? It's so good to hear you feel much better. You've really had a great recovery. How is cardiac rehab? I have a lot more endurance than I had before MVR. I did work out but found even 30 minutes of cardio very challenging. Not to mention that I hated it! I have to admit I don't mind it at all now--even getting to like it!

You're right about all the new people online. It's hard to keep up with them all! I hope you have a wonderful summer. I'm heading to NYC to visit my son and daughter-in-law this week. They live in Chelsea. Let's stay in touch!

Best,

Amy Machtay

Hi Theresa,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, I needed to know that my house was in good shape before surgery, since it will be a little while before I can get into it again. Plus, my mother-in-law and my Dad are here, so wanted it to be nice for them, too. Margaret, MIL, is a gem and helps me out, even now before surgery. I just love her to death.
Going to go to the Arboretum here in State College, PA this morning, before it gets really hot out. Then, Dwight needs to mow and do his chores before we leave for the hospital tomorrow. 48 hours and counting!
Diana

Hi Theresa, well I will wish Fran a belated birthday!
And I am glad you are getting a "pass for the summer." Schools out for the summer - hey! I bet this is going to feel like a particularly special summer. I know you are finding many reasons (like Richard) to continue to celebrate - as you are already planning a special birthday in June - feels like a good reason, I know. We still have a toast (although Richard doesn't drink) - he will sip a little wine for any good reason to celebrate the least little thing now as life feels so good!
Glad you are doing well.
Richard's wife Susan

Hi Theresa,
Thank you for the words of encouragement! They truly do mean so much:) Hope you are having good health!
Kimberly S.

Hi Theresa

What a special friend you are to get word out there about Fran's birthday. I'll be sure to drop her my good wishes as well. How are you? I do pray you are enjoying steady progress.

Cheryl, Ontario

Good Morning Theresa,
Yes, very frustrating. Didn't sleep well last night, at all. If this postponing keep happening, he won't have to worry, because I will be one of his "emergencies", then he won't have a choice!!!!! I'm over the shock now, and I'm very mad at this point. Lots and lots of emotions going through me.
Thank you for your kind words, my friend.
Diana

Well, Theresa, had no idea you would put a post about it being my birthday. Several people did send me birthday wishes. I love you all and still hope there would be a way we can all have a heart reunion one day!
Fran Z

Hi Theresa
Thanks for the message. What the doctor told me about my shoulder blade pain is that he feels it's due to the trauma of the surgery. Nerve, muscle irritation, etc. He has a special massage therapist he would like to send me to, but at $80 a visit and I would need 3 or 4, am reluctant to spend that much money, but, we'll see. Today is my birthday and so blessed to be spending it feeling so much better. Glad you are enjoying rehab!
Fran Z

Hi Theresa

That was a reassuring report from your doctor so I hope you are pleased with your amazing progress. I have low BP now as well 100/70 and 90/60 and my resting pulse is in the 50's - 60's but the rehab nurse says it's my meds. Because of this they expect me to lower my exercise rate as well. I sometimes am lightheaded when I get up from a sitting position but nothing really bad. I see my cardiologist next month for what will be a NINE month check-up. It feels so good when we can report that our lives are returning to normal. I'm glad you are seeing such good results. Big cyber hug.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hey Theresa!

How kind of you to make that connection on my behalf. When checking my BP at the end of rehab, the nurses have asked me if I felt dizzy (and I described the vertigo to them), and I never have at that point. None of my episodes have been immediately post-exercise. So I think my BP just normally runs on the low side. I can't wait to get "free" from doctors appointments like you are. I am having a permanent crown "installed" May 18, see the neurologist May 26 and my cardiologist May 27. Wait there's the hematologist June 16. After that, there's nothing on the books...yet. ;-) Of course there are still regular anticoagulation clinic appointments and rehab. How long is your rehab program? Mine is 36 sessions; I'm done with 11. With summer travel interruptions, I don't think I'll be done with rehab until August.

I just got back from my first plane trip to Indiana. That felt like a bit step toward normalcy to me. The return trip last night was grueling due to bad weather and a missed connection from Atlanta to Orlando. I almost had to spend the night in the Atlanta airport. I was #41 on standby for the last flight to Orlando. Unbelievably, I was the second to the last person to board. Got home at 2:15 this morning. Exhausted.

Take care, and keep moving forward.

Duane

Thank you for signing my guestbook. I was just wondering if your blood pressure mirrors mine when at rehab. could this be a source of your dizziness?? My cardiologist asked if I felt lightheaded because of the low pressure. I am sure you have explored this possibility because you did mention other medications, but I just thought I would mention it. Again, thank you for your wonderful stories on your journal and your friendly postings on mine.

Thanks for the kind words. I will see my cardio on Monday and plan to put an update when I see what he has to say.
Fran Z

Theresa,
So happy to hear of your good report! Hope you enjoy the wonderful summer you have a ahead of you!
Kimberly S.

Great news, Theresa. Enjoy your summer with your healthy heart.
Fran Z

Hi Theresa!

Good to read of your progress with rehab and your good cardiologist report. My blood pressure post-exercise is very similar to yours. Enjoy your "free" summer and an early happy birthday to you!

Duane

Hi Theresa

It was nice to hear from you and thanks for the anniversary wishes.

I'm so glad you are enjoying your rehab class. I too am near the youngest in my class but the only valve patient. The others are all stents. When the rehab nurse discusses what we should be doing and when she catches us trying to compare ourselves to each other, she is quick to remind us that we are all different and on different drugs for individual reasons and above all else, I am "different" than all the rest. We had this discussion just on Tuesday after my class. Actually I didn't come away feeling all that great about being different!

My class doesn't have any weight training so I must do that at home but I'm told I must do so carefully and not be too aggressive. My upper body strength has really deteriorated and I'm not too happy about that.

I really do believe the rehab classes are a good thing in the way they teach us to go about our exercise according to our individual needs. We are always learning and this is one area we now have to become expert in.

I'm glad you are feeling so well and continue to take the time to inspire others. I see so many of your postings and just want to comment you as well.

Have a great summer.

Cheryl, Ontario

Thanks for the rehab update, Theresa. It must be humbling to see these seniors and how they handle their adversities. A lot of lessons to be learned from them as you said. Continue to progress.
Fran Z

Hi Theresa, Was wondering where you are doing your rehab at? I was just okayed for starting and was looking at Mt Sinai for cardio rehab program.

Joe Minnucci (mdd@minnucci.net)

Thanks for the encouragement. It is nice to know some have a smooth recovery. I hope mine goes as well...
Mary Ann Marko

Hi Theresa,
Thank you for visiting my journal. I have read yours and it was extremely helpful for me. Thank you for your well wishes and prayers. I hope your recovery continues on a positive path and you are at 100% soon!
Best wishes and a healthy heart,
Kimberly S.

Thank you, Theresa, for visiting my guestbook & the kind words regarding my friend's passing & how it made me feel. It helps me to know that, since you've been on the site, everyone has come through the surgery. I am particularly grateful for my new-found HVJ friends. I hope your rehab continues to be helpful & look forward to when I'll be at that point!

Thank you & have a great weekend.

Joy Vera

Hi Theresa,
Thanks for stopping by. I'm hoping, too, that its a blessing that my surgery was pushed back a little, so to give my wrist more time to heal. You can be sure, if its not healed by the weekend, like my doctor said, I'll be knocking on his door, pronto, on Monday. Getting close now.
My surgeon will have me do cardiac rehab afterward, too, and I'm really looking forward to it. I use to walk on the treadmill 5 miles a day, 5 days a week, but haven't done it for about 4 years now. I'm excited about the rehab, sounds like it will be a positive experience.
Hope you continue to do really well.

Diana

Hi Theresa, it has been a while since I have looked at journals and so far I am hearing such good things and I am so glad to hear how well your rehab is going. Richard's is going well too - it is so true that it builds confidence, not to mention the body/muscles up again!
Keep up the good work.
Richard's wife, Susan

Hi Theresa

Wanted to stop by and bid you good luck as you begin rehab tomorrow. You'll be happy that you are going and learning to excercise at a safe rate. It will help you build confidence in how well you are doing and what you can expect of your body. Now you'll truly begin to feel well. Take care.

Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Theresa!

Thanks for your recent guestbook posting. You are always so kind.

Thanks for sharing your husband's experience switching from Pravastatin to Crestor. Hope it does the trick for me too.

I went to your article on the Mt. Sinai website. Awesome story! You look great!! I thank God for your great experience! Wonderful!

Good luck on your first day at rehab on Wednesday. You're gonna love it.

Duane

Hi Theresa! Sorry it's taken me so long to write. I had a chance to go out to Mt. Sinai's website and see your marvelous article. That is so cool! I also saw Adam's blog and pictures of the scars from the minimally invasive surgery. I found it very interesting.

You are doing so well with your recovery! Hope rehab goes well too. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience there. I asked my cardiologist about going the last time I saw him, but he didn't recommend it for me. I did buy a heart monitor recently, and I really love it.

Take care. Looking forward to your next post!

Amy Machtay

Hi Theresa

So glad to hear you are going to take part in rehab. One of the best things about rehab is the self-confidence it gives you in learning how hard to exercise and how to determine what you can do that day.

Hard to believe how the time is flying by, isn't it?

Sending you lots of good wishes and hope you have a terrific weekend. TGIF

Cheryl, Ontario

hello Theresa
Thank you for your kind letter to me. I am aware there are a lot of post op patients that have a higher than normal heart rate and apparently it is a side effect of the trauma the heart goes through. In my situation, I am in a-fib and have been for 14+ years, so the cardio doesn't want to wait for it to settle down on its' own. They put me on Metroprolol (generic for Lopressor) 25mg, 2x a day. My cardio doubled it to 50mgm, 2x a day. Now, as of yesterday I'm on 100mgm, 2x a day. Pulse rate is 86 this morning, but my body will take a few days to adjust to the dose as it has really tired me out. Guess it's the combo of that and the additional lung fluid. Things will get better, will just take longer than I would have wanted. God's schedule is always different than we mortals have and I am still learning that. Glad you're doing well.
Fran Z

Hi Theresa,

Thank you for your guestbook entry. Good to hear from you. I'm glad my description of rehab was beneficial to you, and I hope your rehab is an equally great program. Please let us know all about it. You have done so well in your recovery. Thank God. That is so awesome. Isn't it great to be alive and have a mended heart? It's not always easy, but life is good, and God is good. Take care.

Duane Hunt, FL

Hello Theresa,

Just wanted you to know that I read your journal with great interest as I too will be having the same type of minimally invasive surgery performed in June by Dr. Gillinov at the Cleveland Clinic. It was encouraging to read how well you are doing recovering after surgery. Also, just wanted to say thank you. You were the first person to make an entry in my Journal Guestbook. Best wishes for a continued smooth recovery.

God Bless,
John LaDisa
Milwaukee, WI

Hi Theresa,

You may have just started a new approach to surgery.

Seeing your picture, no one would know all you have been through. Way to go!

Elaine Spiewak